October presents us with an opportunity to prepare for the winter. The fluctuating weather reminds us to perform the following preventative maintenance tasks . . .
- Ensure that all our storm windows are in place and in good repair.
- Exercise your valves – turning all water and other values from their present position (open or closed) to the opposite position two or three times to make sure that they will work when needed.
- Clean your heating system and properly winterize your cooling system.
- Check loading dock and emergency exit doors to make sure they are tight so mice can’t get under them and make a home.
- Drain and flush water heaters and boilers.
- Consider having your vents and ductwork cleaned
- Check all outside lights – it is easier to repair or replace them now before they are covered with snow and ice.
- If you have exterior lights on a timer, check to see if the on and off times need to be adjusted.
- Check roofs for summer damage and cut back overhanging branches.
- Clean planting beds so that dead plants don’t detract from the look of your business or allow moisture and snow to build up where you don’t want it.
- Make sure that you’re ready for snow, checking that you have the right equipment, or contractor, and supplies to keep your walkways clear of snow and ice.
- At the end of the month, when the leaves are all down, clean and check gutters, down spouts.
